Glaucoma is subject to ophthalmology. Glaucoma is an eye condition that damages the optic nerve. The optic nerve sends visual information from your eye to your brain, which is vital for vision. High pressure damages the optic nerve. That’s called Intraocular pressure (IOP) However, glaucoma can also be seen with normal eye pressure.

In many cases, glaucoma does not show any symptoms. You may not notice a change in your vision until the disease has progressed. Glaucoma is more common in the elderly. However, it is a disorder that can occur at any age. It is considered one of the most important causes of blindness in people over the age of 60.

In this article, we will talk about the causes of glaucoma and the symptoms of glaucoma first. In the second part of the article, you can read about the importance of early detection and diagnosis of glaucoma. In the final part, we will focus on glaucoma treatment options.

Glaucoma is an eye condition in which the optic nerve, which connects the eye to the brain, is damaged. Glaucoma can be seen in a person for a variety of reasons If the fluid is not drained properly, pressure builds up in the eye. This is the most common cause of glaucoma cases. The pressure rise damages the optic nerve over time. If there is higher outflow resistance in the trabecular meshwork, then the eye pressure gradually increases. The factors that cause Glacumo can be explained as follows:

• Aging: Glaucoma becomes more common as you get older. Being over 55 years old is a risk factor.
• Family history: Your risk is greater if you have a family history of glaucoma.
• Ethnicity: African, Caribbean, or Asian descent are at higher risk. 
• Other medical conditions: Some other diseases can cause glaucoma, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and diabetes.
• If you have a cornea that is thin in the center
• Eye injuries

Glaucoma tends to develop slowly over time and first affects the edges of your vision. That's why people don't realize that they have glaucoma, and it only shows up in tests.

Usually, both eyes are affected, it can be seen in one eye as well. 

Some of the symptoms of glaucoma can be lined up as below:

• Intense eye pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Red eye
• Headache
• Tenderness around the eyes
• Blurred vision
• Rainbow-colored halos around lights can be seen

If you doubt you develop some of these symptoms of glaucoma you should go to visit an expert at a certified medical center as soon as possible. Early diagnosis is very important for glaucoma.

It is widespread for glaucoma to be diagnosed during a routine eye test without causing any obvious symptoms. Other tests are usually needed later on to monitor the patient's condition.

Regular eye tests like visual field tests and tonometry are critical for diagnosing and treating conditions such as glaucoma. Early treatment is key to preventing your vision from being seriously affected.

It is recommended to have an eye test every two years. If you have a higher risk of glaucoma, then more frequent testing will help.

These tests are done by an optometrist and it is recommended to have eye tests done at the nearest hospital or health facility.

Your treatment and medications for glaucoma depend on the type of glaucoma. Eye drops are used to treat primary open-angle glaucoma, the most common type. In advanced stages, laser treatment, a laser trabeculoplasty, filtration surgery, or other surgical interventions for glaucoma may be required. Also, glaucoma drainage devices and neuroprotection can be parts of the treatment.

For other types of glaucoma, treatment may include:

• Primary angle closure glaucoma: First, emergency treatment is carried out in the hospital with medication to reduce the pressure in the eye, in the second stage, laser therapy is applied.
• Secondary glaucoma: Eye drops, laser therapy, or surgery are available depending on the underlying cause.
• Childhood glaucoma: It is an operation to prevent fluid buildup and pressure in the eye.

Between 20 - 29 Years Old: Every 3 - 4 Years if a family member has Glaucoma history.

Between 30 - 39 Years Old: Every 2 - 3 Years if a family member has Glaucoma history.

Between 40 - 64 Years Old: Every 2 years

65 Years old and older: Once in a year.